Many in the dance orchestra had been members of nationally known “name” bands. This group can play any type of dance music upon request. Two competent assistant leaders are associated with Captain Curry: 1st Lieutenant Samuel Laboda and 2nd Lieutenant Herbert Hoyer. The members of the United States Army Band wear specially tailored uniforms. The pockets on the coats are large enough to carry their octavo size music, and are buttoned closely to prevent any instrument being caught in them. On state occasions in the winter the men wear either a special olive drab uniform or their official army dress blues. During hot weather they are comfortably clad in tan tropical worsteds. On their left shoulder is a light blue arc tab with the words, “The U. S. Army Band,” embroidered on it in white. The Army Band presents an attractive picture in spick and span uniforms and the various polished instruments. Especially noticeable are the modern, up-to-the-minute “mechanized” bass drums and tympani mounted on wheels, and the historic “Spirit of ’76” snare drums. Stationed in the Capital the Army Band participates in all Army ceremonies. It is frequently called on to give its services to various celebrations and parades, for Washington is the most popular place in the country for parades. The Army Band expresses the Nation’s welcome by playing to greet visiting royalty, foreign diplomats and other prominent guests. It is always present at the Cherry Blossom fete and the opening baseball game of the season when the President of the United States throws the first ball. There are also sad occasions such as the funeral of a United States President or some high-ranking government official. Then the Army Band marches slow, playing a funeral march with muted instruments and black-draped, muffled drums. And as a contrast, the U. S. Army Band, flashing its brilliantly polished instruments, marches and plays in Washington’s proudest ceremony, the impressive inaugural pageant. The U.S.A. marching band, the Concert Band and the chorus are all popular with Washington people and these band units give their services generously. They give regular programs at the Walter Reed hospital and the various other Veterans’ institutions. In the summer the Army Band presents concerts at the Watergate--the floating stage on the Potomac at the foot of Constitution Avenue. The series of winter concerts are held in the Departmental Auditorium. Weekly, on summer evenings, the U.S.A. Band takes its turn--as do the other service bands--in playing for the enthusiastic crowds who gather in the plaza before the East Front of the Capitol. The mission of the U.S.A. Band is to serve the Army and the people. CAPTAIN HUGH J. CURRY _Leader of U. S. Army Band_